Fire-proof circus burns down

The circus building in Jernbanegade in Copenhagen was designed by the architect Henrik Vilhelm Brinkopff and built in 1886. In its day, it was ultramodern, with stabling for 100 horses and a pool beneath the circus ring for spectacular shows. The building was…

The circus building in Jernbanegade in Copenhagen was designed by the architect Henrik Vilhelm Brinkopff and built in 1886. In its day, it was ultramodern, with stabling for 100 horses and a pool beneath the circus ring for spectacular shows. The building was constructed in foundation brickwork because wood was too hazardous with all the sawdust and gaslights, as revealed by a disastrous circus fire in Vienna. In spite of the precautions, the circus building burnt down in 1914. But it was rebuilt immediately, and until 1990 housed many different circuses, including Schumann and Benneweis. The architect Verner Panton made his mark on the interior décor in 1982, and in 1988 the building was listed. Since 2002, Wallmans Saloner has leased the fine circus building as a dinner and entertainment venue.